BREAKING THE SILENCE: UNVEILING THE MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

AMONG GENERAL ACADEMIC STRAND (GAS) STUDENTS OF LEGAZPI

CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL(LCNHS)

Baronia, Nicole Ann B.

Paragas, Jeanne Marie A.
Lodronio, Nikka M.
Balgemino, Renato A. Jr.
Banez, Justin C.

Legazpi City National High School

Abstract-Being mentally healthy is one of the best feelings in the world. But in all honesty, being mentally tired is
the worst feeling in the world. Utilizing qualitative research, the research interviewed a participant from General
Academic Strand (GAS) students of Legazpi City National High School (LCNHS). The purpose of this study is to
provide an assessment of mental health issues and academic performance of senior high school students. The study
shows that senior high school students have a positive mental health assessment in school, home, personal and
health. The common common mental health concerns faced by the General Academic Strand (GAS) student of
Legazpi City National High School (LCNHS),findings revealed that anxiety emerged as a common mental health
concern among general academic strand students, primarily due to academic pressure, peer pressure, and
environmental stressors. However, students reported implementing various coping mechanisms to maintain their
mental health, such as sharing problems with friends, spending quality time with family, engaging in physical
activities, and involving themselves in music or artistic expression. Based on the research findings, there is a
growing demand among participants for increased awareness and support for mental health issues, as well as
initiatives aimed at improving academic performance and overall well-being. The recommended program includes
strategies to enhance mental health literacy, provide accessible support services, create a supportive school
environment, and integrate mental health promotion into the academic curriculum. This study adds to the existing
body of literature by shedding light on the specific mental health concerns faced by general academic strand
students. It underscores the significance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues in schools,
advocating for interventions that prioritize students' holistic well-being.

Keywords: mental health, general academic strand, anxiety, academic pressure, peer pressure, environmental
stressors, coping mechanisms, awareness, support, academic performance, well-being.

INTRODUCTION fosters social capital and solidarity, which are essential

Mental health is critically important for everyone,
everywhere, and goes beyond the mere absence of a
mental health condition. It is integral to well-being,
enabling people to realize their full potential, show
resilience amidst adversity, be productive across the
various settings of daily life, form meaningful
relationships, and contribute to their communities.
Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and
other interrelated factors contribute to mental health,
and there are inseparable links between psychological
and physical health. Promoting and protecting mental
health is also critical to a well-functioning society. It
during times of crisis. Mental Health Concerns are one
of the most important right now. Someone who could
ask if it is mentally okay is one of the best feelings
today. Good mental health is essential for personal
growth and development and building and maintaining
solid relationships. Mental health can also affect
physical fitness and overall wellness. Moreover,
mental health is also essential for the overall
functioning of society. Mental health problems can
lead to decreased productivity, life expectancy, and
healthcare costs. Promoting and reducing mental health
problems can improve individual, family, and
1 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
community well-being and contribute to more robust,
resilient communities.
Just knowing that we are not under any stress is
already a breath of Just knowing that it is are not under
any pressure is already a breath of fresh air. However,
imagine being a person currently and always under
much stress. What can it feel about it? It is what
students think and go through every school year. May
it be the first-year students in junior high school or
those starting in senior high school? Every student
goes through a stressful time every time another
academic year starts. A student's mental health concern
is often frowned upon because adults say that all they
do is sit around all day listening to their lectures.
However, being mentally tired is the worst feeling in
the world. This research is all about mental health
issues and academic performance. The effects are that
students may develop mental health issues such as
anxiety and depression due to academic stress. Also,
the academic pressure many teachers put on students
can worsen students who already have mental health
issues by making them worse and can make students
develop them. Students from this particular school
indeed have a lot on their plates from their parents'
expectations to maintain the school's standing in all
national examinations. It can cause stress to the
students and is usually very exhausting. That is why
mental health needs to be taken seriously in all aspects
of a person's life, whether it may be an elementary
student or a senior high school.
Student mental health has gained attention due to
the increasing number of students experiencing distress
(Kirsh et al., 2015). Universities reported a rising
number of students obtaining psychological services
and a rising severity of students' symptoms (Castillo &
Schwartz, 2013; Lipson et al., 2016). University
students reported receiving treatment and diagnosis for
anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders,
learning disabilities, and other psychotic disorders
(Nami et al., 2014). Community college students
reported bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance
abuse or addictions, and other severe mental health
concerns (Katz & Davison, 2014). A study involving
Turkish students reported that a quarter of the
participants had depression symptoms, while one-third
had anxiety symptoms (Oyekcin et al., 2017). The
Global School-based Student Health Survey (WHO,
2015) showed that Filipino adolescents commonly
experience anxiety disorders, depression and other
mood disorders, and behavioral and cognitive
disorders. While student mental health has traditionally
been viewed in the context of adjustment and
developmental challenges (Byrd & McKinney, 2012),
problems have gone beyond issues related to their
schoolwork, peers, and teachers. Students experiencing
mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
may have difficulties in school, which leads to poor
academic performance. For example, studies involving
first-year college students with internalizing and
externalizing mental health problems have significantly
lower academic functioning than other students
(Bruffaerts et al., 2018; De Luca et al., 2016). Mental
health is essential to effective learning and students'
academic success (Kury & Kury, 2006), while mental
health problems present significant barriers to students'
academic success (Borntrager & Lyon, 2015). The
growing concern about adolescent mental health issues
requires prioritizing mental health policies
(Çuhadaroğu,2018; Hofman & Mullenweg, 2018).
However, mental health promotion philosophies are
now shifting towards a more positive approach,
highlighting the development of positive health-related
habits and behaviors (Aldridge & McChesney, 2018;
Barry et al., 2013). Recognizing symptoms and
understanding mental health issues contribute to
youth's help-seeking behaviors (Gulliver et al., 2010).
Given this paradigm shift, mental health programs
should focus on how individuals conceptualize mental
health and mental illness. A literature review by Tuliao
(2014) suggested that Filipinos conceptualize mental
illness and psychological distress differently.
Hence, this study shows that when mental
health days are observed, it prevents students from
having a mental breakdown which can cause them to
feel "burnt out " and affect their academic
performance.
This study aims to inform the following about
the importance of taking mental health days and its
effect on the academic performance of senior high
school students. This study focused on the assessment
of mental health issues of senior high school students
in Legazpi City National High School, Inc. because
they need some time to do so; mental health days are a
form of "break" or "day off" that provide students the
chance to relax and recover from their stressful
experiences. Once the pupils know how mental health
disorders might affect them, everything they do will
change. Students will also learn practical and suitable
time management skills from this.
2 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
This study aimed to determine the Mental
Health Concerns Among General Academic Strand
(GAS) of Legazpi City National High
School(LCNHS). Specifically, the study sought to
answer the following questions:
1. What are the common mental health concerns
faced by the General Academic Strand
(GAS) student of Legazpi City National High
School (LCNHS)?
2. How do General Academic Strand (GAS)
students of Legazpi City National High
School (LCNHS) cope with mental health
concerns?
3. What school program may be implemented
by Legazpi City National High School
(LCNHS) cope with mental health concerns
for address the mental health concerns of
General Academic Strand (GAS) students?
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
Research Design
In this present study, the researcher employed a
qualitative research design about the mental health
concerns among the students of Legazpi City National
High School. The research used descriptive research,
defined as a method that describes the characteristics
of the population or phenomenon being studied. It
focuses more on the “what” of the research subject
rather than the “why” of the research subject (Bueno,
2016). More specifically, descriptive cross-sectional
research was used in the study to obtain information
concerning the subject of the study. These describe the
nature of a condition as it takes place during the study
and explore the cause or causes of a particular
condition. The purpose is to evaluate or measure the
results against some known or hypothesized standards
(Bueno, 2016).
Participants
The participants were six (6) students of
General Academic Strand (GAS), who would like to
participate aged 16-18 years old and previously
engaged and currently engaging in Mental Health
Concerns or problems. Moreover, all of the participants
were LCNHS students in General Academic Strand.
Instrument
The interview schedule questionnaire
consisted of 10-item questions about the Breaking the
Silence: Unveiling the Mental Health Concerns. There
were three (3) preliminary questions and ten (10) open-
ended questions. Then, the interview schedule
questionnaire was adapted and revised based on the
study conducted by Weaver et al. (2011). In addition, a
semi-structured interview was employed during the
face-to-face interview with the participants.
Procedures
Through purposive sampling technique, the
researcher had a face-to- face interview with six (6)
participants. First, data gathering commenced after
securing approval from the head of Legazpi City
National High School. After getting permission from
instructors to conduct the study and gather data, the
participants signed an informed consent that outlines
the study's nature and participation scope. The
participants then answered. In a classroom setting;
testing lasted approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After
data gathering, we scored all test questionnaires.
The data acquired contained confidential
information; as such, participants in General Academic
Strand of LCNHS were informed about the mental
health cares. Informed consent was discussed with and
signed by the participants before participating in the
study. They were told that participation is voluntary
without remuneration, and they may drop out from
participation at any points. Datasheets and measures
were labeled with an assigned code for each
participant. The code and its corresponding participant
were known only to the researcher and were securely
stored. No identifying information was released or
published. At the end of the study, we will able to
know the results of this data.
Ethical Considerations
Before collecting data, the researcher emailed and
modified the interview schedule questionnaire for the
needs of the current study. The participant was given
the consent form and time to read it carefully during
the interview. The researcher then requested the subject
sign the consent form once both parties agreed. The
researcher next requested each participant's consent to
record the interview using a mobile phone recorder.
Additionally, each participant knew that the researcher
would be recording their interaction.
The researcher also changed the names of the
persons, organizations, and companies discussed
during the interview to protect their identity and
3 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
privacy. The participants were then informed of the Suffering anxiety due to academic pressure is the
confidentiality and anonymity of the data collected. common theme among all the participants. As the
While publishing the results, the researcher used the result, one of the reason why they experienced anxiety
participants' selected "alias," but participant names is the academic pressure. Suffering from anxiety due to
were kept a secret. The researcher also emailed Weaver academic pressure is a common faced by General
et al. (2011) to ask permission to modify their Academic Strand (GAS) students, primarily because of
interview schedule questionnaire for the present study. overwhelming expectations, performance expectations
and high standards. According to a study conducted by
that students strive to meet. According to a study
Data Analysis
conducted by Levecque et al. (2017) these factors play
The researcher supplied a transcript of each a significant role in increasing anxiety levels in
participant's interview prior to doing the data analysis students. The large quantity of assignments and
to ensure that the transcriptions were accurate. The coursework, combined with the pressure to excel
researcher used the six steps of thematic analysis academically, can be overwhelming and lead to
recommended by Braun and Clarke (2006) to find the feelings of inadequacy. In addition, the pressure to
data.   meet expectations and meet high standards, whether
The researcher initially became familiar with the from oneself, parents, teachers, or peers, can further
data by reading the transcription several times. Next, a intensify anxiety. It is crucial for educational
first code is generated for each participant's response. institutions to acknowledge these factors and
Third, methodically search for the same title. Fourth, implement supportive measures, such as strategies to
revisit different study who has the same concept. The manage workloads, providing resources for stress
fifth phase entails locating and naming any patterns in reduction, and promoting a more holistic approach to
the data and organizing all of the responses into groups success, in order to help students cope with anxiety
by these. The findings of the investigation were then caused by academic pressure.
presented and summarized by the researcher.
Common Participants Sample Statements
Results and Discussions Theme

Table 1.1a shows the common themes and patterns Tyaka, eto pa!kakainis kasi kahit sa friends na pe-
John Clark pressure ako kasi jusko naman! Alam mo yung fini-fit ko
Social and
among participants in suffering anxiety due to Peer pressure sarili ko sa kanila..eh beside ayaw naman pala sakin!
Tyaka shout out sa mga nega kong kaibigan, isa din sila
academic pressure. Elizabeth sa reason kung bakit nararanasan ko din ito, halos sila
judgement ang pa-plastic Mga patapon din naman sila
Common Participants Sample Statements eh.
Theme

Suffering anxiety Yung common is…ahmmm…Anxiety... I suffered anxiety kasi

Due to academic John Clark
alam mo yun yung andaming workload kahit na ano…active Social and peer pressure is the second most
ako pagdating sa academic pero kakainis kasi na pressure ako
pressure
sobra sa mga daming Gawain,shempre kasi as a academic common theme among the participants (John Clark;
achiever ayko na ma left behind ganon…
Yun na nga is… mild lang na anxiety kasi alam mo yung
Elizabeth), why they experienced anxiety and
parang intense na kompitisyon.. ahmmm…yung parang ang ta- depression. Experiencing anxiety arising from
Jastinne taas ng sine-set nilang standards sa pag-aaral so yun nag
worry ako ng nag worry sa grades ko tas juskoo! Sa social and peer pressure can be a challenging
performance sa acadss eh..kaya yun wala nag suffer nalang
talaga ako. situation for individuals, often resulting in
Ahmm…anxiety po ate, maraming Gawain po, di naman po
Carille kasi ako sanay sa madaming gawain po lalo’t na sa acads. increased stress and a feeling of vulnerability.
Kaya na pe-pressure po ako na parang feel ko maga fail ako sa
acads. Social and peer pressure can originate from various
ahmm….Anxiety as in binulabog ako.. yan ang halos na
Dorothy nararanasan ko kasi ano… madami tlga ang binibigay ng mga
sources, such as conforming to societal norms or
teachers ko na school works shempre as grade 11 nanibago
tlga ako sa mga subjects ko specially.
meeting the expectations set by friends and
Suffering depression Ahmmm…Depression po, actually may medical po ako nan a colleagues. This can lead to a constant fear of
Academic pressure depressed talaga ako, rason kaya ay.. dahil shempre sanay ako
Mia na academic achiever, that time sobrang na depressed ako asi na being judged, feelings of inadequacy, and a lack of
pressure ako dahil sa acads eh…natatakot ako na hindi ma meet self-assurance. According to Clark and Anderson
yung expectations from my family and sa mga teacher ko eh.
(2021), being continually exposed to social and
Elizabeth
Yun na nga po naranasan ko is depression dahil sa pag babago
ng way ng pag-aaral. Sbra akong nag isip kung ano yung mga
peer pressure can lead to heightened anxiety,
gagawin sa karami rami ba naman ng mga Gawain…Juskooo! negatively impacting a person's overall well-being
and quality of life. It is crucial for individuals
coping with this type of anxiety to seek support from
4 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
trusted friends, family members, or mental health
professionals to effectively manage their symptoms
and develop strategies for dealing with them.
Common Participants Sample Statements
Theme
Tapos madami kasi akong nararamdamang ano…yung
Personal Factors
hindi maganda sa sarili hmmm..yung ano..ahmmm..yung
Jastinne parang self-criticism, akona mismo nagbababa ng sarili
ko.
Ganon ate eh, sobrang hirap kasi hehehehhe..Hindi
naman ako matalino kay yun na co-compare ko nalang
Carille
sarili ko n asana matalino din ako,nakakababa ng sarili
po..
Another common theme among the participants
(Jatinne; Carille) is personal factors. Suffering from
anxiety or depression due to personal factors like self-
criticism and bragging about oneself can have a
detrimental impact on mental well-being. When
individuals constantly engage in self-criticism, they
internalize negative thoughts and beliefs about
themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low
self-esteem. Self-criticism has been consistently
associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, individuals who constantly brag about
themselves may feel an external pressure to maintain a
certain image, creating a fear of failure and heightened
anxiety. Such behavioral patterns can contribute to a
vicious cycle of negative emotions and further
exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Seeking professional help and practicing self-
compassion can be essential in breaking free from
these harmful patterns and fostering a more positive
mindset (Woods & Scott, 2016).
Common Participants Sample Statements
Theme
And then ano…yung kulang ka sa suporta galing sa
pamilya ko or kahit lamang sa surroundings para kahit
Environmental
Factors
Dorothy
papano imanage yung health ko, eh wala nag ka anxiety
na ako that time eh..
Moreover, environmental factor is the last common
theme for participant (Dorothy) the common mental
health issues faced by General Academic Strand (GAS)
students and why it happened. Dorothy experienced an
insufficient support from her family and its
surroundings posed significant challenges to
maintaining mental well-being, leading to increased
stress and sadness. Thoits (2011) emphasized the
crucial role of social support in protecting against
anxiety and depression. These individuals experienced
feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and vulnerability
to negative thoughts and actions due to a lack of
support or feelings of isolation. Consequently,
managing stressors and regulating emotions became
difficult for them. Actively cultivating a nurturing
environment and seeking out relationships and
resources for emotional support became essential in
improving their mental well-being (Thoits, 2011).
Table 1.2b shows the common themes and patterns
among participants in coping mechanisms/strategies.
Common Participants Sample Statements
Theme
Ahmm… yun na nga ahh… since noong pandemic naka
ramdam ako ng anxiety shempre loner lang ako then after
Sharing problem John Clark
with friends na nung pandemic, pwede nang lumabas madami na
akong mga friends na pwede kong i-share yung mga
problems na ikinakaharap ko.
Ine-enjoy ko nalang sa way na… ahmmm..ano yun…
shine-share ko nalang ito sa mga friends ko kasi minsan
Jastinne yun din yung coping strategy ko para hindi ko
maramdaman yung anxiety ko or para maiwasan ganuna
na din ho…
At everytime na feel ko aatakihin ni enxiety yun I go with
Carille my friends and naga share nalang ako ng mga problems
ko sa mga kaibigan ko.
Tyaka yung way kona pag may problema ako nakikiusap
Dorothy nalanag ako sa mga kaibigan ko since lagi silang anidto
sa akin.
Hmm… best way na nagawa ko to cope is yung pag open
Mia up or pag share sa mga friends ko and especially sa
mother ko,evrytime na naga share ako na le-lessen yung
bigat na nararamdaman ko
Ahmm….ano linilibang ko ang sarili ko gaya ng
Elizabeth nakikipag bonding ako sa mga kaibigan ko, chinichika ko
lahat ng problema ko hahaha…
When it comes to coping mechanisms or strategies, one
common theme that has surfaced to all participants
(John Clark; Jastinne; Carille; Dorothy; Mia;
Elizabeth) is sharing problems with friends. Every time
they experienced anxiety, the first thing that comes in
their mind is their friends, where they can share
problems. Sharing problems with friends has been
found to be effective strategy because it reduces their
anxiety. Bar-On and Livneh (2008) conducted a study
that revealed individuals with greater social support
experienced less anxiety. When people confide in their
friends about their problems, they not only find
comfort and empathy, but they also benefit from
different perspectives and potential solutions. Actively
engaging with friends in conversations about their
concerns not only provides validation and reassurance,
but also helps individuals feel understood and less
alone.
Common
Theme
Participants Sample Statements
Spending time with
family
Jastinne At ini-spend ko nalang time ko with my family.
Elizabeth
at sa pamilya ko, niyaya ko si mommy na pumunta sa
legazpi ganon, lalakad lakad kami
5 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
In this two participant (Jastinne; Elizabeth) one in our study demonstrated coping strategies that
prevalent coping strategy emerged as a common theme involved engaging with music, painting, and dancing.
was spending time with family. We found out that Music enabled them to connect emotionally with lyrics
spending time with your family is also a coping and melodies. Painting provided a visual outlet for self-
strategy for General Academic Strand (GAS) students. expression, allowing them to channel their thoughts
It provided individuals with a refuge in the midst of and emotions onto a canvas. Dancing served as a
challenges. William Pollock the social psychologist physical form of expression. These coping mechanisms
said that family acted as a primary source of emotional facilitated the exploration of creativity, emotional
comfort during distress or crisis. Engaging in activities release, and personal satisfaction in addressing their
like family dinners and game nights fostered a sense of challenges (Delaunay et al., 2018).
connectedness, belonging, and support. These
experiences created a collective memory of resilience Table 1.3c shows the common themes and patterns
and unity, reminding individuals that they weren't among participants in school program that may be
alone in facing challenges (Pollock, 2010). implemented by Legazpi City National High School
(LCNHS) cope with mental health concerns for
Common
Theme
Participants Sample Statements
address the mental health concerns of General
Participating in
Naglilibang nalang ako… yung libang ko I.. ano… Academic Strand (GAS) students.
Physical activities Carille naglalaro ako volleyball dahil isa din ito sa mag sports
ko, kaya medyo comfort zone kona siya. Common Participants Sample Statements
Tyaka kapag hindi na talaga ako okay,is naga unwind Theme
Elizabeth ako through sa pagbike, pupunta ako kahit saan like Ahmm.. I think ahmm… yung ano para sa’kin ang best
maga ride kahit sobrang init,pero okay lang at least
nagiging okay naman ako kahit papano. Increased awareness John Clarkway talaga na ano yung program na... magbibigay sila
and support for ng suporta sa amin,yung pag iintindi tyaka..ahmm..from
mental health issues my past seminar kasi na encounter ko yung sa awareness
ba yun?…yun basta parang yung sharing sharing lang
In addition, two participants (Carille; Elizabeth) the ganon…

common theme that has emerged is participating in Parang pwede yung ano.. parang like Seminar or parang
mag o-orient sila yung lahat ng may mental health issue
physical activities as a means of managing their Jastinne parang maguusap-usap, magbibigay sila ng advice kung
ano ba talaga dapat yung mga coping strategies para sa
anxiety. This coping mechanism emerged as a kagaya kong nakakaranas nito.
Parang yung program na mag po-provide ng mental
proactive response to the challenges they faced in their Carille health support para sa mga students, mga

lives. Physical activities served as a form of distraction way,pagbibigay advice at yung parang hindi masyadong
bibigyan ng schoolworks yung mga student parang sila
from their stressors and allowed them to redirect their yung magiging way for our better future.

energy towards something constructive. It was Ahmm… I think parang yung mag karoon ng seminars na
may mag bibigay sa amin ng mga advise na
observed that participating in physical activities, such Dorothy makakatulong samin at may support sa mga nakaka
ranas ng mental health concerns.para yung kaalamn po
as playing volleyball, cycling, or playing sports, namin…hmmm…yung ahmm…para maging may alam
kami sa bagay bagay.
facilitated the release of endorphins, leading to an .Gutso ko pong ipa- implement sa school.hehehe…baka

improved mood and reduced stress levels (Smithson et naman sir____(principal of school).Is yung gusto ko ma
Mia feel namin na mga students na kagaya ko yung suporta

al., 2010). Furthermore, these participants also reported ba..na hinahanap namin hahaha..para namang bata..pero
gusto ko yun yung magbibigay sila ng suporta sa amin
experiencing a sense of accomplishment and self- tas parang tutulungan nila kami na maging may mas
alam.
confidence after engaging in physical activities, which Bilang isa ako sa nakakranas ng mental health ang
masasabi kong school program na kailangan I implement
further contributed to their ability to cope with stress. Elizabeth sa aming paaralan ay dapat ipa implementa ay ang lahat
ng nakaranas ng mental healt ay dapat itipon itipon at
mag seminar tungkol sa mental health at mag provide ng
Common Participants Sample Statements support gaya ng like pag bibigay ng advice sa mga
Theme students
Ahmm… ang ginagawa ko nlng is listening music kasi
Engaging in
music or artistic Dorothy para sakin music is therapy tlaga lalo na pag gumagawa
expression ako ng mga activities ko ay parang sinasabayan ko nlng As regards to the common mental health faced of
ng music kasi pang pa kalma sya at para habang
gumagawa ako ay kalma padin ang isip ko . general Academic Strand (GAS) students of Legazpi
AT dinadaan ko nalang minsan sa pagsasayaw,pakikkinig City National High School (LCNHS) all participants
Mia ng music at pagp-paint para mas gumaan pa ang aking
pakiramdam.
want to implement school programs to cope with
mental health concerns. All our participants (John
It was observed that our two participants (Dorothy; Clark; Jastinne; Carille; Dorothy; Mia; Elizabeth)
Mia) employed in engaging music or artistic forms of emerged to attend a seminar that focused on increased
expression as the common theme in coping awareness and support for mental health issues, with
mechanism/strategies of the participants. Participants the aim of coping with the challenges they were facing.
6 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
The seminar provided a platform where individuals by their desire for academic success. Recognizing the
sought support, advice, and assistance in managing importance of supportive and empowering
their mental health concerns. Previous research had environments, they aimed to create a program that
emphasized the significance of awareness and support would uplift students rather than bring them down.
in fostering positive mental health outcomes (Bolton et Their goal was to provide guidance, correction, and
al., 2014). By participating in the seminar, the teach new study skills to help students thrive
attendees exhibited a proactive approach in addressing academically. Previous studies have emphasized the
their mental health needs and displaying their significance of positive teacher-student relationships
dedication to their overall well-being. The seminar and effective teaching strategies in promoting
proved to be an invaluable resource for those seeking academic achievement and well-being (Roorda et al.,
guidance and support in navigating the complexities 2011). By taking the initiative to develop such a
associated with mental health issues. program, these participants aimed to create an
environment that fostered success and supported
Common Participants Sample Statements students in reaching their full potential.
Theme
tas yung tutulungan nila tayo na maging matibay kasi
Improved academic Elizabethyung ibang teacher juskoo! Mangbababa pa ng student
perfomance and huhuhu…gust ko is yung kapag mali kami itatama nalang
over all well nila kaysa sa dada ng dada, kaya gusto kopa sana is yung
being tutulungan kami na maag success sa acads po.

Then yung interesting is..yung ano..hmm…yung parang I-

improved ng mga teachers yung acads perfomance
namin,like yung maga provide baga sila ng mga effective
na yung pang aral na skills po like sa time managemnet
Jastinnedin po kasi halos samin talaga sa mga students kulang
kami sa time management gann..I hope if meron mang
program na ganito maakatulong tlaga it sa amin na mag
staay focused sa academic success namin..hmmm..opo
yun…

Furthermore, improved academic performance and

over all well-being is another common themes for two
participants (Elizabeth; Jastinne) for project
implementation. Our two participants were eager to
implement a program or seminar focused on enhancing
academic performance and overall well-being, driven

7 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

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9 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

 INTERVIEW SCHEDULE QUESTIONNARE

Introduction: (explain the purpose and nature of the study)

Preliminary Questions: (asking for demographic profile of the participants)

Introductory Questions:

a. Have you ever heard of the term “mental health” before? What does it mean to you?
b. In what context you have heard the term “mental health” being used?
c. Is it easy to control everytime your mental health concerns struggling you?

Primary Questions:

1. Have you had any mental health issues in the past?

a. What was your first experience with mental health? When did you experienced it?
1. Can you name any common mental health disorders or conditions that you have experienced?
2. At what point did you realize you were struggling with mental health?
3. Have you talked to anyone (friends, family, school staff) about your mental health concerns, And what was
their reaction when you told them about your mental health concerns
4. What are the common physical symptoms that can arise from your mental health struggles?Is it difficult to
handle those symptoms?
5. Have you ever felt that your mental health concerns have impacted your academic performance at school?
a. If your academic performance is affected, what did you do to maintain your academic
performance?
1. How do you cope with stress and anxiety?How effective do you find these strategies to be
2. What school program should be implemented to address mental health concerns?

10 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

 CONSENT FORM TO THE PARTICIPANT

Participant’s Copy

I, the participant, confirm that: (please check the box)

1. By signing this consent form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the purpose and
the goals of the research study.
2. I understand that my participation is voluntary, and I have the right to withdraw at any time
without consequence or penalty.
3. I have been informed that this research study involves audio recordings. I confirm my
willingness to participate by giving my consent voluntarily.
4. I agree to keep my personal information confidential by the researchers.
5. I agree to take part in the Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Mental Health Concerns among
General Academic Strand (GAS) of Legazpi City National High School.

Name of the Participant Name of Researcher Signature

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---

Researcher’s Copy

CONSENT FORM TO THE PARTICIPANT

I, the participant, confirm that: (please check the box)

By signing this consent form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the purpose and
the goals of the research study.
I understand that my participation is voluntary, and I have the right to withdraw at any time
without consequence or penalty.
I have been informed that this research study involves audio recordings. I confirm my
willingness to participate by giving my consent voluntarily.

11 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

 I agree to keep my personal information confidential by the researchers.
I agree to take part in the Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Mental Health Concerns among
General Academic Strand (GAS) of Legazpi City National High School.

Name of the Participant Name of Researcher Signature

NO. PERSO TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL THEME/S

N CODES
1. I Can you name any common mental health disorders or REASON/S
conditions that you have experienced?
2. P Yung common is…ahmmm…Anxiety.. I suffered anxiety SUFFERING SUFFERING
kasi alam mo yun yung andaming workload kahit na ano… ANXIETY ANXIETY DUE
active ako pagdating sa academic pero kakainis kasi na TO
pressure ako sobra sa mga daming Gawain,shempre kasi as ACADEMIC
a academic achiever ayko na ma left behind ganon…
Tyaka, eto pa!kakainis kasi kahit sa friends na pe-pressure PRESSURE
ako kasi jusko naman! Alam mo yung fini-fit ko sarili ko sa
kanila..eh beside ayaw naman pala sakin!

SOCIAL AND
PEER
PRESSURE
3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety?How effective do REASON/S
you find these strategies to be
4. P Ahmm… yun na nga ahh… since noong pandemic naka
ramdam ako ng anxiety shempre loner lang ako then after na COPING SHARING
nung pandemic, pwede nang lumabas madami na akong mga STRATEGY PROBLEM
friends na pwede kong i-share yung mga problems na WITH FRIENDS
ikinakaharap ko.

5. I What school program should be implemented to address REASON/S

mental health concerns?
6. P Ahmm.. I think ahmm… yung ano para sa’kin ang best way
talaga na ano yung program na... magbibigay sila ng suporta INCREASED
sa amin,yung pag iintindi tyaka..ahmm..from my past PROGRAM AWARENESS
seminar kasi na encounter ko yung sa awareness ba yun?… IMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT
yun basta parang yung sharing sharing lang ganon…
ATION FOR MENTAL
HEALTH ISSUES

12 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

PARICIPANT 2

NO. PERSON TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL CODE THEME/S

1. I Can you name any common mental health disorders REASON/S
or conditions that you have experienced?
2. P Yun na nga is… mild lang na anxiety kasi alam mo SUFFERING SUFFERING
yung parang intense na kompitisyon.. ahmmm… ANXIETY ANXIETY DUE
yung parang ang ta-taas ng sine-set nilang standards TO
sa pag-aaral so yun nag worry ako ng nag worry sa
ACADEMIC
grades ko tas juskoo! Sa performance sa acadss
eh..kaya yun wala nag suffer nalang talaga ako. PRESSURE
Tapos madami kasi akong nararamdamang ano…
yung hindi maganda sa sarili hmmm..yung
ano..ahmmm..yung parang self-criticism, akona
mismo nagbababa ng sarili ko. PERSONAL
FACTORS
3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety?How REASON/S
effective do you find these strategies to be?
4. P Ine-enjoy ko nalang sa way na… ahmmm..ano
yun…shine-share ko nalang ito sa mga friends ko COPING SHARING
kasi minsan yun din yung coping strategy ko para STRATEGY PROBLEM
hindi ko maramdaman yung anxiety ko or para
WITH FRIENDS
maiwasan ganuna na din ho…
At ini-spend ko nalang time ko with my family.

SPENDING
TIME WITH
FAMILY

5. I What school program should be implemented to REASON/S

address mental health concerns?
6. P Parang pwede yung ano.. parang like Seminar or
parang mag o-orient sila yung lahat ng may mental INCREASED
health issue parang maguusap-usap, magbibigay sila PROGRAM AWARENESS
ng advice kung ano ba talaga dapat yung mga IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT
coping strategies para sa kagaya kong nakakaranas
nito. FOR MENTAL
Then yung interesting is..yung ano..hmm…yung HEALTH
parang I-improved ng mga teachers yung acads ISSUES
perfomance namin,like yung maga provide baga sila
ng mga effective na yung pang aral na skills po like IMPROVED
sa time managemnet din po kasi halos samin talaga ACADEMIC
sa mga students kulang kami sa time management
PERFORMANCE
gann..I hope if meron mang program na ganito
AND OVER ALL
13 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
 maakatulong tlaga it sa amin na mag staay focused WELL BEING
sa academic success namin..hmmm..opo yun…

PARICIPANT 3

NO. PERSON TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL CODE THEME/S

1. I Can you name any common mental health REASON/S
disorders or conditions that you have experienced?
2. P Ahmm…anxiety po ate, maraming Gawain po, di SUFFERING
naman po kasi ako sanay sa madaming gawain po ANXIETY DUE
lalo’t na sa acads. Kaya na pe-pressure po ako na SUFFERING TO
parang feel ko maga fail ako sa acads.
ANXIETY ACADEMIC
Ganon ate eh, sobrang hirap kasi hehehehhe..Hindi
naman ako matalino kay yun na co-compare ko PRESSURE
nalang sarili ko n asana matalino din
ako,nakakababa ng sarili po..
PERSONAL
FACTOR

3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety? How REASON/S

effective do you find these strategies to be?
4. P Naglilibang nalang ako… yung libang ko I.. ano…
naglalaro ako volleyball dahil isa din ito sa mag COPING PARTICIPATING
sports ko, kaya medyo comfort zone kona siya. STRATEGY IN PHYSICAL
At everytime na feel ko aatakihin ni enxiety yun I ACTIVITIES
go with my friends and naga share nalang ako ng
mga problems ko sa mga kaibigan ko.

SHARING
PROBLEM WITH
FRIENDS
5. I What school program should be implemented to REASON/S
address mental health concerns?
6. P Parang yung program na mag po-provide ng
mental health support para sa mga students, mga INCREASED
way,pagbibigay advice at yung parang hindi PROGRAM AWARENESS
masyadong bibigyan ng schoolworks yung mga
IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT
student parang sila yung magiging way for our
better future. FOR MENTAL
HEALTH ISSUES
PARTICIPANT 4

NO. PERSON TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL CODE THEME/S

1. I Can you name any common mental health REASON/S
disorders or conditions that you have
14 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
 experienced?
2. P ahmm…. Anxiety.. as in binulabog ako.. yan ang SUFFERING SUFFERING
halos na nararanasan ko kasi ano… madami tlga ANXIETY ANXIETY DUE TO
ang binibigay ng mga teachers ko na school works ACADEMIC
shempre as grade 11 nanibago tlga ako sa mga PRESSURE
subjects ko specially.

And then ano…yung kulang ka sa suporta galing ENVIRONMENTAL

sa pamilya ko or kahit lamang sa surroundings FACTORS
para kahit papano imanage yung health ko, eh
wala nag ka anxiety na ako that time eh..

3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety? How REASON/S

effective do you find these strategies to be?
4. P Ahmm… ang ginagawa ko nlng is listening music
kasi para sakin music is therapy tlaga lalo na pag COPING ENGAGING IN
gumagawa ako ng mga activities ko ay parang STRATEGY MUSIC OR
sinasabayan ko nlng ng music kasi pang pa kalma ARTISTIC
sya at para habang gumagawa ako ay kalma padin EXPRESSION
ang isip ko .

Tyaka yung way kona pag may problema ako SHARING

nakikiusap nalanag ako sa mga kaibigan ko since PROBLEM WITH
lagi silang anidto sa akin. YOUR FRIENDS

5. I What school program should be implemented to REASON/S

address mental health concerns?
6. P Ahmm… I think parang yung mag karoon ng
seminars na may mag bibigay sa amin ng mga INCREASED
advise na makakatulong samin at may support sa PROGRAM AWARENESS AND
mga nakaka ranas ng mental health concerns.para IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FOR
yung kaalamn po namin…hmmm…yung ahmm… MENTAL HEALTH
para maging may alam kami sa bagay bagay. ISSUES

PARTICIPANT 5

15 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)

 NO. PERSON TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL CODE THEME/S
1. I Can you name any common mental health disorders REASON/S
or conditions that you have experienced?
2. P Ahmmm…Depression po, actually may medical po SUFFERING SUFFERING
ako nan a depressed talaga ako, rason kaya ay.. ANXIETY ANXIETY DUE
dahil shempre sanay ako na academic achiever, that TO
time sobrang na depressed ako asi na pressure ako
ACADEMIC
dahil sa acads eh…natatakot ako na hindi ma meet
yung expectations from my family and sa mga PRESSURE
teacher ko eh
3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety? How REASON/S
effective do you find these strategies to be?
4. P Hmm… best way na nagawa ko to cope is yung pag
open up or pag share sa mga friends ko and COPING SHARING
especially sa mother ko,evrytime na naga share ako STRATEGY PROBLEM
na le-lessen yung bigat na nararamdaman ko WITH FRIENDS
AT dinadaan ko nalang minsan sa
pagsasayaw,pakikkinig ng music at pagp-paint para
mas gumaan pa ang aking pakiramdam. ENGAGING IN
MUSIC OR
ARTISTIC
EXPRESSION
5. I What school program should be implemented to REASON/S
address mental health concerns?
6. P Gutso ko pong ipa- implement sa school.hehehe…
baka naman sir____(principal of school).Is yung INCREASED
gusto ko ma feel namin na mga students na kagaya PROGRAM AWARENESS
ko yung suporta ba..na hinahanap namin IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT
hahaha..para namang bata..pero gusto ko yun yung
magbibigay sila ng suporta sa amin tas parang FOR MENTAL
tutulungan nila kami na maging may mas alam. HEALTH ISSUES

PARTICIPANT 6

NO. PERSO TRANSCRIPTIONS INITIAL CODE THEME/S

N
1. I Can you name any common mental health disorders or
conditions that you have experienced?
2. P Yun na nga po naranasan ko is depression dahil sa pag COMMON COMMON
babago ng way ng pag-aaral. Sbra akong nag isip kung MENTAL CONCERNS
ano yung mga gagawin sa karami rami ba naman ng mga HEALTH FACING OF
Gawain…Juskooo! MANY STUDENTS
CONCERNS
Tyaka shout out sa mga nega kong kaibigan, isa din sila
sa reason kung bakit nararanasan ko din ito, halos sila
judgement ang pa-plastic Mga patapon din naman sila SOCIAL AND
eh. PEER PRESSURE
16 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)
3. I How do you cope with stress and anxiety? How effective
do you find these strategies to be?

4. P Ahmm….ano linilibang ko ang sarili ko gaya ng

nakikipag bonding ako sa mga kaibigan ko, chinichika COPING SHARING
ko lahat ng problema ko hahaha… STRATEGY PROBLEM WITH
at sa pamilya ko, niyaya ko si mommy na pumunta sa
FRIENDS
legazpi ganon, lalakad lakad kami.
Tyaka kapag hindi na talaga ako okay,is naga unwind
ako through sa pagbike, pupunta ako kahit saan like SPENDING TIME
maga ride kahit sobrang init,pero okay lang at least WITH FAMILY
nagiging okay naman ako kahit papano.
PARTICIPATING
IN PHYSICAL
ACTIVITIES
5. I What school program should be implemented to address REASON/S
mental health concerns?
6. P Bilang isa ako sa nakakranas ng mental health ang
masasabi kong school program na kailangan I implement INCREASED
sa aming paaralan ay dapat ipa implementa ay ang lahat PROGRAM AWARENESS AND
ng nakaranas ng mental healt ay dapat itipon itipon at
IMPLEMENTA SUPPORT FOR
mag seminar tungkol sa mental health at mag provide ng
support gaya ng like pag bibigay ng advice sa mga TION MENTAL
students HEALTH ISSUES
tas yung tutulungan nila tayo na maging matibay kasi
yung ibang teacher juskoo! Mangbababa pa ng student IMPROVED
huhuhu…gust ko is yung kapag mali kami itatama ACADEMIC
nalang nila kaysa sa dada ng dada, kaya gusto kopa sana PERFORMANCE
is yung tutulungan kami na maag success sa acads po.
AND OVER ALL
WELL BEING

17 | Baronia, Lodronio, Paragas, et al. (2023)